The real problem i see from administration view on anesthesiology is they have no control of staffing anymore. Zero control but they also want to expand the case load. It’s simply doesn’t work. Thus the subsidy which they are loath to increase.
When companies like Usap (one of the original 3), not the later ones) are barely turning a profit even with 50% plus commercial payor mix it’s a huge problem with no subsidy. They are still making money but it’s severely deceased.
Couple of I see is with the act model
1. The act models of the old days are gone. Crna’s simply do not want to work 5 days a week. So it’s hard to fill the 7-3 slots consistently especially Monday’s and Fridays with crna’s. Many just want to work 2 or 3 days a week.
2. Weekend coverage with crna’s is a pain.
As for the MD only model. Just too many sites to cover and not enough docs. To many long rooms. Docs in rooms consistently 8 hours. And those docs are Two MD only true private models I’ve know in the past 2 years (partners make 600-800k generally) have abandoned the hospitals. Kept their surgery centers. Told the hospital they weren’t gonna to renew it. Management companies tried to come in and low ball w2 docs at first 400k. Than 450k. Than had to up it to 500k plus calls just to entice docs to sign. Good for new grads. But the fact partnership model is a thing of the past.
So not sure how management companies are making money. Partnership track was 30%,20%, then 10% buy in. Hospital has agreed to subsidize locums cost for the first year. So no skin off the management companies backs.
All the people in my group who complain about working hours to no end, complain about how sick everyone is, complain about how obese everyone is, complain about assignments, complain about call, calling for help with procedures, taking a full hour to get a heart asleep and lined up when I can do the exact same in 20 mins, these are almost always the 20+ year vets.
20 year veteran is between ages 49-51 in my practice. They are in the prime of their careers. The fastest and most efficient anesthesiologists who rarely cancel cases.
25-30 years vets are probably the best anesthesiologists in my practice. The most rounded. I respect their advice.